Policy Committee tables FAFSA completion policy after privacy concerns

The New London Board of Education Policy Committee on Feb. 24 removed Policy 6148 — the FAFSA Completion Program — from the table for discussion and then voted to table it again after members raised concerns about student and family data handling. Motion to remove the item was made by Committee Chair Scott Garbini and seconded by Betsy Perkins; the removal and subsequent tabling motions each carried, 3-0.

Chair Scott Garbini said he had "concerns about where the information would go after a parent fills out the form." Kristea A. Francolino, Manager of Executive Support Services, told the committee that completed FAFSA forms are kept on file and are only sent to other agencies or schools "with the family's knowledge." Dr. Cynthia Ritchie, Superintendent of Schools, said the policy's stated goal of 100% completion is a State mandate. Committee members also questioned whether a 100% completion target is appropriate given not all students plan to attend college. Betsy Perkins said the draft policy "was not well-written or easy for a reader to understand" and volunteered to rewrite it for clarity if the item proceeds.

The committee voted to table Policy 6148 after the discussion. The motions recorded in the meeting minutes were: remove from the table (motion by Garbini, second Amanti; carried 3-0) and then table (motion by Amanti, second Perkins; carried 3-0). The policy will return to committee or a future agenda after further drafting and review, and Ms. Perkins offered to prepare revised language addressing clarity and confidentiality concerns.